Emanuel Pogatetz is a major doubt for Thursday's UEFA Cup-tie at AZ Alkmaar after breaking his nose against Fulham. Pogatetz was replaced at the interval yesterday, and Boro officials were still assessing the injury today.

If the Austrian international is missing in Holland, then manager Steve McClaren must reconsider his formation, because Pogatetz's wing-back play has been crucial to the system's viability. McClaren said: "We took Pogatetz off because we needed to change things. Touch wood he will be fit for Thursday."

The manager could still stick with the 3-5-2 line-up by bringing back Ugo Ehiogu or Matthew Bates on Thursday, and switching Franck Queudrue to the flank.

Gaizka Mendieta is also a doubt for the European tie as he battles to recover from a calf strain, while injured Aussie duo Mark Schwarzer and Mark Viduka also remain unlikely starters.

Viduka has Achilles tendon trouble with McClaren saying: "Mark has been seeing a specialist in Australia and he was back in today, so he is being assessed here."

McClaren, who has been linked again with interest in released Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, is expected to finally sign his new contract today.